It’s never too early to ask: What are you doing New Year’s Eve?
One way to celebrate is at New Year’s Eve on Market Square, presented by Lloyd's Electric Service Inc., on Monday, Dec. 31, 2018.
The Holidays on Ice open-air ice skating rink, presented by Home Federal Bank, is open 1 - 10 p.m.
The all-ages celebration begins at 10 p.m. with The Bicho Brothers performing classic rock favorites on the Market Square stage. The countdown to midnight begins at 11:55 p.m., followed by the ball drop, fireworks and a group sing-along of “Auld Lang Syne.”
Frank Murphy from Classic Hits 93.1 FM and Kelli Smith of WATE Channel 6’s program “Living East Tennessee” will emcee the event. Party favors, including foam “2019” hats and inflatable “thunderstick” noise makers, will be available while supplies last.
No mobile food or alcohol sales will take place on the square on New Year’s Eve. However, downtown restaurants, including those participating in the Peppermint Trail, will be open and offering specials; it’s always a good idea to call ahead for hours and dinner reservations.
Visitors should be aware of temporary closures around Market Square. Parking on Wall Ave will be prohibited starting at 3 p.m., and the road will be closed 5 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Parking on Union Avenue between Walnut and Gay streets and Market Street between Union and Clinch avenues, ends at 7 p.m. Those streets will be closed between 9 p.m. and 12:30 a.m.
Free parking after 6 p.m. is available in all City-owned garages, including Market Square, Locust Street, Langley, City County Building and Dwight Kessel. Public parking spaces are currently limited in State Street garage during the construction project that will increase its capacity by 570 spaces. For a map of available garages and lots, visit DowntownKnox.org/Parking.
Visit www.knoxvilletn.gov/christmas for more details on New Year’s Eve on the Square and www.downtownknoxville.org/holiday/peppermint/ for a list of Peppermint Trail participants.